Trulicity comes in a single-dose pen and does not require the patient to mix, measure, or handle the needle and it is not recommended as first-line therapy for patients inadequately controlled on diet and exercise.
The drug has not been studied in patients with a history of pancreatitis, and so other antidiabetic therapies should be considered for patients with a history of pancreatitis.
Lilly Diabetes senior medical advisor Dr Laura Fernandez said: "Some adults with type 2 diabetes find that diet, exercise and oral medicines aren’t enough to meet their treatment goals.
"Trulicity may be an option for them as it has demonstrated proven glycemic control, only has to be taken once weekly, and comes in an easy-to-use pen."
Trulicity was approved by the US Food and Drug Administration based on data from a number of trials of the drug used alone or in combination with commonly prescribed diabetes medications, including metformin, pioglitazone, glimepiride and insulin lispro.
Currently, the drug is available to patients in 0.75mg and 1.5mg doses, delivered in the single-dose Trulicity pen.